1898 | CURRENT LITERATURE 441 
under the various headings is frequently not what the heading indicates, as, 
for example, Chapter XII. This fault culminates in the division of the book 
given to ecology, which is in a remarkably indefinite condition. 
t may be that an occasional lapse into poetical style has its place in 
stimulating interest in the secondary schools, but the reviewer questions 
whether a sentimental interest should have any connection with scientific 
training. 
The introduction of photographs of typical plant associations is very 
commendable, but something must be done to make such photographs sig- 
nificant. This criticism has reference not only to the book in hand, but to 
the general use of such pictures. If ecology is to take the prominent place 
in’ elementary botanical education that it deserves, we must have publishers 
get beyond the dim and hazy landscapes which may be capable of interpreta- 
tion by the trained ecologist, but which mean little or nothing to the ele- 
mentary student. 
Professor Atkinson’s book is one of great interest, and will be a stimulus 
to proper botanical study in secondary schools. The weak points are such as 
often appear in the work of a very busy man, who may not lay special stress 
upon logical presentation and exact statement.—J. M. C 
Bokorny’s text-book.‘ 
THIs is the latest contribution to the long list of German text-books. It 
is intended for use in the technical schools and gymnasia, and seeks to 
present the subject without requiring of the student too great “expenditure of 
time or effort of memory.” To this end a novel approach to the subject 1s 
introduced. Thirty-five pages are devoted to the illustrated descriptions of 
some of the commonest seed plants, the violet, mustard, peat, etc. These 
descriptions are in the simplest language, and are evidently intended to be 
taken in connection with laboratory study of the types selected. saben 
remote such an approach may be from a logical presentation of the subject, 
there is some reason in the plea that the student may be thus gently induced 
to careful observations, and well oriented in the new field by learning first 
the technical interpretation of the plants he has always known. The 7 i 
the text suggests an effort to give good place to each of the schools with too 
great emphasis upon none. ‘It is an exemplification ot the ne eile 
ideas which prevail as to which interpretation of the plant olen! h 
be presented first to the beginner. The author, save for the ear ieet : 
first chapters, does not commit himself. The organs - eat ceustaat it 
taken up in logical sequence in the second part. This would serve Bae y 
ae OKORNY, TH.—Lehrbuch der Botanik. 8vo. pp. vi 226. figs. 170. Leipzig: 
Wilhelm Engelmann. 1898. J/. 2.40. 
